Medieval Indian History MCQs
Multiple choice questions on Medieval Indian History for General Studies and GK preparation of SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC and State PSC Examinations.
1. What was the largest import item for the Vijayanagar Empire?
[A] Precious stones
[B] Luxury goods
[C] Raw silk
[D] Horses
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Horses]
Notes:
Horses were the biggest import to Vijayanagar Empire, imported mainly from West Asia including Balkh, Herat, and Bukhara. They were brought to improve cavalry breeds as local horses were unsuitable for warfare. Traveler Fernão Nunes recorded purchases at three horses for 1,000 pardaos, with annual expenditures up to 30,000 pardaos. The horse trade was managed by local merchants called Kudirai Chettis.
2. Which of the following Sena rulers introduced Kulinism in Bengal?
[A] Hemant Sen
[B] Ballala Sen
[C] Vijay Sen
[D] Lakshman Sen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ballala Sen]
Notes:
One of the vassals of Pala called Hemant Sen founded the Sena Dynasty. The third king of this dynasty Ballala Sena (1160-1178) introduced the social reforms in Bengal known as Kulinism.
3. Rajasekhara, the eminent Sanskrit poet, dramatist and critic, who is best known for his work Kavyamimamsa, has described himself as guru of which king of Gurjara Pratiharas?
[A] Bhoj II
[B] Mihirbhoja I
[C] Mahendrapala I
[D] Mahipala I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mahendrapala I]
Notes:
Rajasekhara was an eminent Sanskrit poet, dramatist and critic of 10th century and was court poet of the Gurjara Pratihara Kings. His most important works are Kavyamimamsa and Karpurmanjari. He had written Karpurmanjari to please his wife Avantisundari. Karpurmanjari is written in Sauraseni Prakrit. In his plays, Rajshekhara has described himself as teacher / guru of Gurjara Pratihara King Mahendrapala I.
4. Which of the following achievements is not associated with Iltutmish?
[A] Initiation of the silver tanka and copper jetal
[B] Establishment of the iqtadari system
[C] Formation of the Chalisa
[D] Advocacy of the Divine Right Theory
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Advocacy of the Divine Right Theory]
Notes:
Iltutmish was known for innovations including the introduction of a new currency system and administrative reforms. He introduced the silver tanka and copper jetal, organized the Chalisa (a group of forty noblemen), and implemented the iqtadari system to manage land. The concept of the Divine Right Theory, however, is credited to Balban, one of his successors. This doctrine asserts the monarch’s authority is derived directly from God, and it was not a part of Iltutmish’s governance.
5. During the end of which of the Mughal rulers the Mughal empire faced the problem of jagirdari crisis?
[A] Humayun
[B] Akbar
[C] Jahanagir
[D] Aurangzeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Aurangzeb]
Notes:
The jagirdari crisis during the reign of Aurangzeb led to an unhealthy competition among the nobles to gain control over the fertile jagirs. The jagirdars faced the insecurity of getting transferred within a short period.
6. Who wrote ‘Tarik-i-Feruz Shahi’ that mentions the conquest of Nagarkot Fort?
[A] Khawand Mir
[B] Badr Chach
[C] Abul Fazal
[D] Ziauddin Barani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Ziauddin Barani ]
Notes:
Ziauddin Barani has written ‘Tarik-i-Feruz Shahi’ that mentions the seige and conquest of the Nagarkot Fort by Sultan Firoz-shah Tughlaq
7. Which among the following departments created by Allauddin Khilji to enquire into the revenue arears and to collect them?
[A] Diwan-i-Mustakhraj
[B] Diwan-i-Arz
[C] Diwan-i-Riyasat
[D] Shahna-i-Mandi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Diwan-i-Mustakhraj]
Notes:
Allauddin Khilji created new department viz. Diwan-i-Mustakhraj to enquire into the revenue arears and to collect them.
8. In the Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan, who looked after the foreign affairs?
[A] Surnavis
[B] Dabir
[C] Sar-i-Naubat
[D] Pratinidhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dabir]
Notes:
In the Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan ( or Council of Eight Ministers), Dabir ( or Samant) looked after the foreign affairs ministry. He helped the king on matters relating to foreign states and on problems of war and peace.
9. In the Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan, who was the Commander-in-chief?
[A] Surnavis
[B] Dabir
[C] Sar-i-Naubat
[D] Mazumdar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sar-i-Naubat]
Notes:
In the Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan (or Council of Eight Ministers), Sar-i-Naubat ( or Senapati) was the Commander-in-chief, who looked after the requirement and administration of the army.
10. In the Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan (Council of Eight Ministers), who was the religious advisor of king?
[A] Nyayadhis
[B] Dandaphyaksha
[C] Mazumdar
[D] Pratinidhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dandaphyaksha]
Notes:
In the Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan (or Council of Eight Ministers), Pandit Rao (or Dandaphyaksha) was the religious advisor of king and also looked after the religious matters.
